Global Dialogue Dinner: The Flightpath to Sustainable Aviation

Humanity faces an existential challenge in dealing with climate change and global warming. The aviation industry accounts for around 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, and 3.5% when non-CO₂ impacts on climate are considered. It is one of the hardest to abate and will need radical collaboration from its stakeholders to ensure it continues to thrive and fuel global economic activity by connecting the world.

Meridian brought together Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Atlantic, senior foreign diplomats, U.S. government officials, think tanks, NGO representatives, and airline industry leaders on April 27, 2023, at White-Meyer House, for a curated dinner discussion to explore some of the most relevant issues and opportunities concerning sustainability. The big question on the table: how can the aviation industry take on the challenges of climate change while still satisfying the global demand for aviation?

Attendees discussed how the U.S., EU, and the UK aviation industries and governments can come together to achieve carbon reduction through the harmonization of private sector efforts and public policies. Other subjects that were highlighted included the Jet Zero Strategy, as well as how the U.S. government is prioritizing incentives over mandates to achieve the SAF Grand Challenge. The conversation also included the roles of airlines in the shift towards sustainable fuels. By creating and strengthening the networks and connections among stakeholders, Meridian is helping to create a deeper level of coordination among the key players in the industry, with the goal of finding solutions towards a more sustainable future.